Above the Rim

Above the Rim
Theatrical release poster
Directed by	Jeff Pollack
Produced by	James D. Brubaker Benny Medina Jeff Pollack
Written by	Story: Jeff Pollack Benny Medina Screenplay Barry Michael Cooper Jeff Pollack
Starring	Duane Martin Leon Robinson Tupac Shakur Bernie Mac Tonya Pinkins Brian Keith and Marlon Wayans as 'Bugaloo'
Distributed by	New Line Cinema
Release date(s)	March 23, 1994
Running time	96 minutes
Language	English
Budget	$6,500,000 (approximately)

Above the Rim is a 1994 drama film, directed by Jeff Pollack. The screenplay was written by Pollack and journalist-turned-screenwriter Barry Michael Cooper (writer of New Jack City), from a story by Pollack and Benny Medina.

Starring Duane Martin, Leon Robinson, Tupac Shakur, Marlon Wayans and Christopher Andrews, the film tells the story of a promising New York City high school basketball star and his relationships with two people; one a drug dealer and the other a basketball star now employed as a security guard at his former high school.

Plot

A young athlete aspiring to become a professional basketball player must make some tough decisions in this sports melodrama. Kyle Watson (Duane Martin) is a talented basketball player who is about to graduate from high school. While he waits to find out if he will receive a scholarship to Georgetown University he finds himself in a difficult dilemma over a playground basketball tournament. He must decide whether to play for and follow his good-hearted basketball coach or Birdie (Tupac Shakur), a local thug in the neighborhood. Kyle is also feeling resentment towards a security guard named Shepherd, or Shep, (Leon Robinson) because his mother is falling in love with him. Coincidentally, Kyle's coach also wants Shep to play on his team since Shep was previously a star basketball player himself. It is later revealed to Kyle that Shep is Birdie's older brother. Due to the death of a friend, Nutso, Shep cannot bear the thought of playing again.

Cast

Soundtrack

1. "Anything" - SWV (Produced by Brian Morgan)
   • Samples "Get up and Dance" by Freedom
2. "Old Time's Sake" - Sweet Sable (Produced by Nikke Nikole)
   • Samples "Intimate Friends" by Eddie Kendricks
3. "Part time lover" - H-Town (Produced by Devante Swing)
4. "Big Pimpin" - Tha Dogg Pound feat. Snoop Dogg, Nate Dogg and Big Pimpin' Delemond (Produced by Dat Nigga Daz)
5. "Don't mean to turn you on" - 2nd II None (Produced by 2nd II None, DJ Quik)
   • "Samples "I Don't Believe You Want to Get Up and Dance (Oopps)" by the Gap Band
6. "Doggy style" - DJ Rogers (Produced by Suamana Brown)
7. "Regulate" - Warren G. featuring Nate Dogg (Produced by Warren G)
   • Samples "Sign of the Times" by Bob James and "I Keep Forgettin'" by Michael McDonald
8. "Pour Out a Little Liquor" - 2Pac & Thug Life (Produced by Johnny J)
   • Samples "Cry Together" by the O'Jays
9. "Gonna Give it to ya" - Jewell Featuring Aaron Hall (Produced by Paisley)
10. "Afro Puffs" - Lady of Rage featuring Snoop Doggy Dogg (Produced by Dr. Dre)
    • Samples "Superman Lover" (Intro) by Johnny "Guitar" Watson
11. "Just so Ya No" - CPO Featuring Boss hogg (Produced by Tony Green)
    • Samples "Tonight's the Night" by Raydio
12. "Hoochies need love too" - Paradise (Produced by S "Bright Eyes" Riley, Suamana Brown)
    • Samples "Groove with You" by the Isley Brothers
13. "I'm still in Love with You" - Al B. Sure! (Produced by Al B. Sure!)
    • Remake of "I'm still in Love with You" by Al Green and Willie Mitchell
14. "Crack'em" - O.F.T.B. (Produced by DJ Quik, O.F.T.B., T.K.O.)
    • Samples "Playing Your Game Baby" by Barry White
15. "U Bring Da Dog Out" - Rhythm & Knowledge (Produced by Sean "Barney" Thomas)
16. "Blowed Away" - B-Rezell (Produced by Devante Swing and Timbaland)
17. "It's Not Deep Enough"- Jewell (Produced by Mr. Dalvin)
    • Samples "Wind Parade" by Donald Byrd
18. "Dogg Pound 4 Life" - Tha Dogg Pound feat. Snoop Dogg (Produced by Dat Nigga Daz)
19. "Pain" - 2pac feat. Stretch (Produced by Reginald Heard - only available on the cassette version)
    • Samples "Living Inside Your Love" by Earl Klugh
20. "Loyal to the Game" - 2Pac feat. Treach and Riddler (Produced by Stretch - only available on the cassette version)
    • Samples "Sparkle" by Cameo
21. "Mi Monie Rite" by Lord G (Produced by Tony Green - only available on the cassette version)

Reception

Box office

The film was released on March 23, 1994, grossing $3,738,800 on opening weeked. At the end of its theatrical run, it had grossed a total of $16,192,320.

Awards

1995 MTV Movie Awards

• Best Movie Song — Regulate by Warren G. (nominated)

Critical

Variety said "A fine cast and the movie's general energy can't overcome that mix of cliches and technical flaws, which should conspire to prevent any high flying at the box office."^[1]

See also

• Above the Rim (Original Soundtrack)

External links

• Above the Rim at the Internet Movie Database

References

1. ^ Above the Rim - Review, March 21 1994